JULY 18TH, 1814: American troops burn St. Davids, Upper Canada, following a fierce fight with local militia.
After the Battle of Chippawa, the U.S. Army advanced to Queenston, Upper Canada. Foraging parties were sent out to requisition (take) supplies, and their unrestricted looting infuriated local inhabitants.
On July 18th, a force of New York militia led by Lt. Col. Isaac Stone was attacked near St. Davids. Although resistance was expected, the Americans barely escaped with their lives.
They returned the next day and completely destroyed the village.
Stone was dismissed from the Army because of his actions. This incident marked a change in the attitude of many of the inhabitants towards the Americans and their increasing brutality, Local men, once eager to avoid military service or even ready to surrender to the Americans, now took up arms in their defense.
--Brock-Perry
No comments:
Post a Comment